I don't understand why there has to be so many classes and rules in karting. The allure of racing is the ability of engineering and coming up with ways to gain a performance edge using your noodle. I think real good low bucks racing comes from the ability to make things on your own, without having to buy the latest trick parts that have been deemed "legal". I say fewer rules the better. I may be wrong and this is only my opinion. Any thoughts? _________________Mr. Sideways

Yes, I have a thought. Equal engines, equal tires, with tuning and driving making the difference.

ROTAX

Oh yeah, it has its own national championship (actually 2 for adults, senior and masters), its own winter series (in nearby FL) and can compete in TAG classes as well._________________Tonykart EVRR / Adkins Yamaha

I guess it depends on what you call expensive. My Micromax is 3 yrs old (2 yrs as a Senior) with no problems to date. We never miss a practice session unless I don't get out of bed early enough. And it's fast and the racing is close.

I agree with Carl, my vote is on Rotax.
Here is the story of Michael's engine:
2001, one of the first serial numbers in US, was used by EJK to win Rotax Eastern Regionals in Florida in summer of 2006; installed junior cylinder for Florida Winter Tour for Arrive and Drive and used for Moroso and Ocala events in 2007 in class MiniMax; I bought it in May 07; we made 2 North Florida weekends, 3 Bakers Creek, 4 GSKA races and FWT Homestead double weekend in January of this year before $300 top end rebuild. After that: 4 GSKA, 8 Ocala, 2 BCKC, 2 Moroso, 6 days of National practice and racing in Shawano. Same clutch (since June 07), same carb, same exhaust (replacing $15 packing every few months) and radiator (replaced water 2 times). I went through couple of chains (5-6 for sure) and 2 clutch drums. The engine is an average Joe, making 12500 RPM on a very good day and sets lap time in Barnesville competitive with Senior/Master class. If its Micro, by turning just 9000 RPM that engine will not need a rebuild for a very long time (I've heard forever).

Clone is and will be popular for 2 reasons: extremely low price and local rules for people who don't care about racing outside local track. I may join it too after selling Cadet package we have.

Its been at least since $2/gal that cost of karting become not cost of package but cost of being able to travel for races. For people who stays local, I hardly see a reason to go TaG, Rotax or Shifter. I would say its a waste of money. Sooner or later you will go to other tracks and face a dilemma "go or no go" next time for a bigger or at least different competition. You can't do it with Clone, you can't stay home forever with TaG, Rotax or Shifter.

spec class is just fine if you are spec class kinda person. I am not. I like the run whatcha brung deal. If I lose a race , I go home and make adjustments, do research, things like that. I don't have the funding to go buy the latest trick honda parts, so I make my own. It's the engineering I like the most about racing. I would like to see more allowences for home made chassis's and such.jm2c_________________Mr. Sideways